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Financial incentives improved follow-up rates after breast implant surgery

A novel financial incentive strategy was associated with improved follow-up visit habits after breast implant surgery.

The study included 502 patients in a Core Study treated with Ideal Implant. For each participant, $3,500 was deposited into an independent, irrevocable trust and then invested. Participants were removed from the study if a follow-up visit was missed. They were compensated for completed visits to that date, but the remainder of her share would stay in the fund to be divided among the patients who completed all study protocols for the full 10 years.

At 5 years, results showed a 94.9% follow-up rate for primary augmentation and 96.7% for revision augmentation when compared with all other FDA standardized trials reporting on follow-up outcomes. This includes studies done for MemoryShape (Mentor), Allergan 410, and Sientra Core Studies.

“This trial demonstrates the utility of a novel incentive strategy to maximize follow-up in cosmetic surgery patients,” the researchers concluded. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report that one investigator is the Medical director, CEO and president of Ideal Implant Incorporated, and another is a paid clinical trial investigator for Ideal Implant Incorporated.